Canadian Forces Signs OEA Technologies for REA Analysis

Release Date: 28 November 2003

OEA Technologies Inc. (Halifax, Canada) has initiated a study of Canadian Forces requirements and opportunities in the field of maritime rapid environmental assessment (REA). The study is being led by Defence Research and Development Canada - Atlantic (DRDC Atlantic), which is an agency of Canada's Department of National Defence. It will capitalize on OEA's expertise in oceanography and DRDC Atlantic's expertise in ocean acoustics.

This investigation of rapid environmental assessment expands on an earlier OEA/DRDC Atlantic investigation of the use of Earth-observation satellite sensors and coastal HF radar systems for purposes pertaining to military oceanography. The previous investigation also involved representatives of Canadian Forces Meteorology and Oceanography (METOC) operations Centres.

DRDC Atlantic's mandate is to conduct research and development in underwater sensing and counter measures, naval command and control, air platforms, naval platforms, signature management, emerging materials and modeling simulation.

OEA Technologies provides marine environmental information and technology solutions for clients having operational requirements. The company specializes in marine applications of spaceborne Earth-observation sensors and shore-based HF radars. OEA Technologies is the exclusive Canadian representative of CODAR Ocean Sensors, CA, USA ( www.codaros.com ), which is a leading commercial provider of coastal HF radar systems.

The REA investigation is scheduled for completion in September 2004.